Accession to the European Union

Expanding Europe

Where and when will the European Union expand its borders next? The 27-member union spread eastward with the additions of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007. Current expansion candidates include Croatia, Iceland, Macedonia and Turkey. Albania, Montenegro and Serbia are potential future candidates.

After agreeing to help the European Union control the flow of migrants heading north, the Turkish government now feels empowered to use the deal as leverage. Europe must now find an alternative to its agreement with Ankara, lest it subject itself to blackmail. A SPIEGEL Editorial By Mathieu von Rohrmore...[ Comment ]

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is taking advantage of last week's failed coup to consolidate his power. As the country slides into a dictatorship, there is a lot at stake for the West. But the effects in Turkey itself promise to be far greater. By SPIEGEL Staffmore...[ Comment ]

The EU is praising the first deportations this week from Greece to Turkey as a breakthrough for the recent refugee agreement with Ankara. But it was little more than a show. Many believe the deal will fail to survive the expected legal challenges. By Giorgos Christides, Katrin Kuntz and Maximilian Poppmore...[ Comment ]

The EU has placed its fate in the hands of Turkish President Erdogan. But the man who is to help solve the refugee crisis has recently shown more clearly than ever that he prefers autocracy to democracy. He is the price Europe must pay for failure. By SPIEGEL Staffmore...

One year ago, negotations over a Ukraine association agreement with the European Union collapsed. The result has been a standoff with Russia and war in the Donbass. It was an historical failure, and one that German Chancellor Angela Merkel contributed to. By SPIEGEL Staffmore...[ Comment ]

Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan has been sharply critical of comments made by German President Joachim Gauck about his country's democratic deficiencies. His assertiveness plays well with Turks in Germany, who could be a strong force in the next election. By SPIEGEL Staffmore...[ Comment ]

Great Britain used to play a key role in leading Europe, and the benefits have been substantial. But now, the UK is turning its back on the EU and has chosen to focus on peripheral issues. It is the wrong move. An Essay by Will Strawmore...[ Comment ]

Ukrainian opposition leader and heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko spoke to SPIEGEL about his presidential ambitions, the ongoing threat of a violent crackdown against the protesters, and Germany's role in bringing Ukraine closer to Europe. Interview Conducted By Benjamin Bidder and Erich Follathmore...[ Comment ]

Germany has now stepped into the UK-triggered fray over introducing new restrictions on migration within the EU. The European Commission is enraged, and even conservative EU parliamentarians warn of pandering to populists. By Carsten Volkery and Severin Weilandmore...[ Comment ]

The European Union gained its 28th member on Monday -- Croatia. It's a major milestone for the former Yugoslav country, which was ravaged by war only two decades ago. But to pull out of its current economic slump, it still has a lot of work to do. more...[ Comment ]